Renter's Guide

Updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 · Updated October 2026

Your tenancy · What you pay · Moving in · Rent increases · Pets · Repairs · Ending a tenancy

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and changed renting in England. Here is what it means for you, in plain English.

1. Your tenancy

Rolling tenancies. Almost all new and existing tenancies are now periodic. There is no fixed end date.
No more "no-fault" evictions. Section 21 has been abolished. A landlord can only end a tenancy on a legal ground, such as selling, moving in, or serious rent arrears.
Four months' notice if your landlord wants to sell or move in, and not within your first 12 months.
No discrimination. Landlords and agents cannot refuse you because you have children or receive benefits.

2. What you pay

We never charge tenants fees for viewings, referencing or paperwork. By law, the only payments are:

PaymentLimit

RentThe advertised rent. We do not accept offers above it

Rent in advanceNo more than one month, and only once the tenancy agreement is signed

Holding depositNo more than one week's rent. Refunded or put towards rent

Tenancy depositFive weeks' rent (six weeks if rent is £50,000 a year or more)

Late rentInterest only after 14 days, at 3% above Bank of England base rate

Lost keysThe reasonable cost of replacing them

Changes you ask forUp to £50, or reasonable costs if higher

Ending earlyOnly if you ask to leave in a way not allowed by your tenancy

Utilities, council tax, TV licencePaid to the supplier, if your tenancy says so

No bidding wars. Landlords and agents must state the rent when advertising and cannot ask for, or accept, more.

3. Moving in

Referencing checks your income, previous landlord and credit history.
Right to Rent: we check your ID, as the law requires.
Your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you receive the details.
You receive the government's information sheet, a gas safety certificate, an EPC and an electrical safety report.

4. Rent increases

Your rent can only go up once a year, using a formal Section 13 notice with at least two months' warning.
If you think the new rent is above the market rate, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements no longer apply.

5. Pets

You can ask, in writing, to keep a pet. Your landlord must reply within 28 days and cannot refuse without a good reason, such as a lease that bans pets.

6. Repairs and standards

Report repairs to us straight away. We will keep you updated until the job is done. Over the coming years, Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard will set strict timescales for fixing hazards such as damp and mould.

7. Ending your tenancy

Give at least two months' notice in writing, ending on a rent day.
We carry out a check-out against the inventory.
Your deposit is returned within 10 days of agreeing any deductions. Disputes go to the deposit scheme's free service.

Coming next: a national landlord database and a new landlord ombudsman, giving tenants another place to resolve complaints.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For more help, see GOV.UK, Shelter or Citizens Advice.